Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in academic support, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelsey Komorowski, the founder of KOMO, an academic support entrepreneur for students based in Doha, Qatar.
Tell us all about your business...
We created a first-of-its-kind model of academic support that transform struggling students into confident, engaged learners with the skills to succeed not just on the next test or essay, but in life. We work with families all over North America, mostly students in high school and university.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a business owner?
My first job out of grad school was at the Ministry of Education and, while I loved learning about pedagogy, I realized early on that government wasn't for me. I felt I couldn't just up and leave my first 'good' job though. While I was figuring out my next step, I put out an ad for tutoring, which I'd always done and really enjoyed. Within a month, I had a waitlist and it was very clear that the way I 'tutored' was not common. I was working nights and weekends and though I didn't know what would come of it at the time, I loved it and knew there was something there. Much to my surprise (never mind my parents'), I gathered all my courage and quit my government job.
As an entrepreneur, what does success ultimately mean to you?
Changing lives. Every week, we hear our students share how much smarter and more confident they feel, that their grades shot up by 10% or 30%, that they finally have a shot of getting into their first choice college. Helping others realize just how capable they truly are is the best feeling in the world.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship can be a very lonely path. People who aren't entrepreneurs don't get it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
1) Don't wait. It will never be the 'right time'. The right time is when you realize you want to do something. Go get started. You'll either find excuses for why you can't or you'll find a way you can (and if you're the former, I'd reconsider the entrepreneurial path).
2) Everyone has an opinion and lots of people share them as if they were facts. Learn the difference.
3) Get clear on what taxes you need to pay depending on what kind of business you run (I learned this the hard way...not fun).
Where can people find you online?
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.